Library funding

A retired reading teacher who strongly supported the library and opposed defunding it; also urged the town keep the Malibu site for future facilities or a park rather than selling.

Described the library as a community cornerstone, citing grandchildren's programs, classes, and staff support.

A veteran and voter who implored the council not to defund the library, calling it the best he's seen anywhere.

First-time attendee who argued library money comes from property taxes and would go to other Gila County libraries if defunded; dismissed concerns about objectionable materials.

Called library concerns a made-up political problem, opposed the Malibu sale, and urged the council to plan for future growth with the property.

Supported the library, placed responsibility for children's reading on parents, and gave historical context on American public libraries.

Called the library and Green Valley Park the town's two greatest assets and asked the council to approve Resolution 2026-026.

A Payson mother who argued parents should decide what their children read, invoked Milton's Areopagitica, and warned the council's vote would be remembered.

A 21-year resident who opposed what he called an ideological attack on the library and librarians and urged approval of the funding.

Speaking by Zoom, he opposed selling the Malibu property for an RV park and supported library funding.

A community college teacher concerned about AI creep who said the library helps raise young people who can think and manage AI responsibly.